The UNM Foundation promotes excellence at the University of New Mexico by raising, investing and managing private gifts through the cultivation of long-term partnerships with donors, and by matching their interests to the University’s priorities.

UNM Foundation Hires Ned Dana as Oracle Database Administrator

Ned Dana

Ned Dana joined the UNM Foundation Information Services Department as its Oracle database administrator (DBA) in early October. Based in Lawai, Kauai, Hawaii, Ned brings to the UNM Foundation more than 38 years of software experience (30 in Oracle), with a talent for developing unique solutions to challenging problems through a deep, intuitive understanding of computer hardware and software.

Hired as “Employee 17” at Oracle Corporation, Ned spent three years on the kernel development team and two years enhancing the related tools before going into business on his own. The in-depth knowledge of Oracle’s early internals has been an invaluable asset in designing, troubleshooting and administering Oracle systems. He has been an independent Oracle DBA consultant since 2004. During this time, Ned also worked for Oceanit Labs Inc. from 2007-2012 after completing a year-long contract for HANDS project. He also has provided Oracle DBA services and assistance with system tuning for SunGard Higher Education clients including UNM, Harvard, Tufts, Carnegie Mellon, Penn State, University of Utah, University of Colorado, among others. Ned studied math and computer science at University of Oregon.

Ned has three grown children, Collin, Lindsey and D’ran, the first two of whom live in various dwellings on the family’s property on Kauai along with six of Ned’s longtime friends. They share the property with Ned’s red standard poodle, Louis, two other dogs and 11 cats. In his free time, Ned enjoys driving his small tractor/backhoe, hiking and listening to music. You may reach Ned at unmf@neddana.com or (808) 651-4280. Welcome, Ned!Back to top

Kara Clem Named as Director of Development at the UNM School of Engineering

“On behalf of the A-Team at the UNM School of Engineering (SOE), I am pleased to share the exciting news that Kara Clem has transitioned to a new position as the UNMF director of development for the school, effective November 2,” said Betty Karlsson, senior director of development at the SOE.

Kara previously served as associate director for the UNMF Office of Annual Giving since November 2013, and was one of two fund-raisers there focused on UNM’s Children’s Miracle Network hospital, UNM Children’s Hospital.

Kara joins the SOE Advancement Team, AKA the A-Team, comprised of Kim Delker, director of SOE marketing; Courtney Holmes, SOE development coordinator, Pam Hurd-Knief, SOE director of alumni relations, and Betty Karlsson. The team’s offices are located in the Dean’s Suite on the third floor of the Centennial Engineering Center.

“Passionate about our school, its mission, and our 15,000 alumni, we are proud to welcome Kara aboard as an energetic, enthusiastic and professional colleague, and we look forward to a great year moving forward together,” Betty said.Back to top

Heartfelt Thanks to Staffers Who Completed AED Training

Because the UNM Foundation is focused on planning ahead and being prepared, which extends to our staff and visitors’ health and well-being, the Foundation recently purchased an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) machine and offered a free training to staff members. The Foundation leadership would like to thank the following employees for taking time out of their busy schedules to complete the recent AED Training. While we hope they never have to use the training, we all feel better knowing the following are prepared to take action: Aaron Currence, Veronica Griego, Karl Kaplan, Jennifer Kemp, Tanya Lovato, Ann-Mary MacLeod, Betty Olivas, Emilia Rivera, Larry Ryan, Esther Sandoval and Jared Stone.

As soon as our AED unit arrives, a notice will be sent informing everyone where it will be housed. Thanks again to all who participated in the training!Back to top

Community Outreach Committee Announces Upcoming Opportunities

Suzanne Eubank, chair of the UNMF’s Community Outreach Committee, outlines the following upcoming volunteer opportunities:

Roadrunner Food Bank: Join the Community Outreach Committee on Thursday, November 12, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Roadrunner Food Bank. We’ll volunteer for two hours at the warehouse. Please wear closed toed shoes. Depending on our volunteer opportunity, hair nets may be required. Please let Suzanne know if you will be joining us by emailing Suzanne.Eubank@unmfund.org or calling 277-1747.

Ronald McDonald House: We have an opportunity to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home away from home for families who are from out of town with children who have been admitted to the hospital. We will provide/cook dinner for families who are staying at the house. This opportunity will occur after the holidays. Please contact Drea Kendall at Drea.Kendall@unmfund.org or 277-2000 if you are interested in participating.

Duranes Elementary School: The annual Christmas gift-giving opportunity for Duranes Elementary School is fast approaching. These gifts are for children in need who attend the school. The counselor at Duranes provides a list to us of children who might not otherwise receive a gift. Ornaments with the gift wishes of the children will be on our tree in the lobby at Two Woodward Center. More information will be coming after Thanksgiving.

Operation Gratitude: To honor our U.S. service men and women, UNM Employee Health Promotions has invited us to support Operation Gratitude, which sends care packages containing donated items to individual Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who are deployed in remote regions around the world. Donated items include leftover Halloween candy, scarves, gloves, hats, and toiletries. Please look for a donation box on each floor of Two Woodward Center. A box will be near Esther Sandoval’s desk in Suite 108 and the other will be near Catherine Malin’s desk in Suite 200. We will collect donations beginning November 2 through November 10. Questions? Please contact Elizabeth Cochran at 277-1437 or Elizabeth.Cochran@unmfund.org.Back to top

Looking for that perfect donor gift? Don’t forget the UNMF Donor Relations Online Catalog! With the holidays coming up, Donor Relations reports it has a plethora of items to choose from. Please visit the Online Catalog under Donor Relations on SharePoint to also see what’s available for fun giveaways, stewardship supplies and event resources. For more information, please contact Jill Slaby at 277-9651 or Jill.Slaby@unmfund.org, or Charlotte Wall Smith at 277-9613 or Charlotte.Wall-Smith@unmfund.org.Back to top

#LobosGiveDay

On December 1, the UNM Foundation will participate in the global event, #GivingTuesday. Now in its fourth year, #GivingTuesday is a movement to create a day of giving to kick off the giving season. This is a day to come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

The UNM Foundation will send a “save the date” email on November 19 and one to our alumni and friends on December 1 to encourage them to give to UNM. We will also utilize our social media pages to promote our day of giving which we have named, #LobosGiveDay. Included in our messages will be links to online giving pages as well as other ways people can give to UNM. For more information, please contact Margaret Ortega at 277-0689 or Margaret.Ortega@unmfund.org.Back to top

Winter Break Volunteers Needed

In order to accommodate donors and process gifts received prior to December 31, the UNM Foundation will be open during the winter break and half-days on an abbreviated schedule. However, we need staff to be available or in the office during these hours. Please see this flyer for additional information and days/times and positions needed. Below is information on compensation for working during the winter break.

Compensation for Working This Schedule During Winter Break

Non-exempt (hourly) Employees will receive the following for working:

• 8 hours paid holiday time plus,
• Time and one-half for hours you work

All Exempt (Salaried) Employees will receive the following for working:

• 8 hours paid holiday time plus,
• An alternate day off, without charging PTO, within a 3-month time period.

Upcoming Events

Project Zero: November 23 through January 4, 2016
The challenge is to avoid gaining holiday weight. Everyone who wants to participate will weigh in on November 23 and then again on January 4. Incentives (to be determined) will be awarded.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

National Diabetes Month is observed every November to draw attention to diabetes and its effects on millions of Americans. The National Diabetes Education Program’s (NDEP) 2015 theme “Diabetes Education and Support: Everyone Has a Role. What’s Yours?” highlights the need for ongoing diabetes education and support among people with diabetes and those who care for them.

Resources from the NDEP and the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) are available to help yourself, family members and friends learn more about the importance of diabetes education and support. Find them here.Back to top

November Birthdays

November UNMF/UNM Anniversaries

Want something in the next DTales?

Please send submissions for the December 2015/January 2016 edition of DTales to Todd.Staats@unmfund.org and Mario.Lara@unmfund.org by noon on Wed., Dec. 2. (PLEASE NOTE: the next issue will go out the SECOND Wednesday of the month, Dec. 9, rather than the first, because of the Thanksgiving week in late November.)Back to top

Quote

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” ― Marcel ProustBack to top